Unbelievably, considering it's an 82 minute Eurostar journey from London, I only visited the northern French city of Lille for the first time last winter. My favourite discovery when I was there was Club Marot, a new restaurant run by two young chefs and cousins. Augustin, who trained at the famous Ferrandi cooking school, and Antoine Marot, from the 3 Michelin-starred Lameloise, took over the celebrated restaurant Clément Marot when Augustin's father retired after 36 years at the helm.
Located near La Grand Place in the heart of the city, the gastronomic restaurant serves modern French gourmet cuisine in a stylish and cosy space. Framed exhibition posters from local galleries and museums line the white walls with smart navy wood panelling, blonde wooden tables are paired with tan leather seats and midnight blue velvet banquettes, and potted plants and palms are dotted all over.
We had a wonderful lunch there, starting with a glass of Horiot Pere et Fils brut champagne and an outrageous plate of buttery razor clams with croutons. I cannot stress how many times we've spoken about these razor clams since; they were not only the nicest razor clams I've ever had, but also one of the nicest complimentary hors d'oeuvre I've ever had. Délicieux.
We went for the four course tasting menu, starting with smoked haddock in a leek vinaigrette, which paired beautifully with the oaky La Vacherotte Hautes-Côtes de Nuits Blanc 2014 from Burgundy. Next was boudin sausage and langoustine ravioli, followed by candied veal breast with beetroot, potato and truffle. We finished with a 70% dark chocolate concoction with guanara, tanariva milk, hazelnutty gianduja and cocoa sorbet, before heading back out for a chilly afternoon of sightseeing. Refined flavours, beautifully presented by friendly young staff, in a stylish space. Très très bien.
Club Marot, 16 Rue de Pas, 59000 Lille
